Film transporting mechanism

ABSTRACT

Photographic apparatus for exposing and handling self-processing film units and especially such units of the type including a preregistered, integral image-recording portion strippably supported on a rigid frame. The apparatus includes a slideable transporting mechanism for sequentially moving respective ones of the film units from an exposure position and between a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members to initiate processing. Thereafter, the image-recording portion is stripped from the frame and the transporting mechanism moves that frame into a waste storage chamber behind the other film units, where it is stored for later disposal.

' United States Patent Harvey [451 Sept. 19, 1972 i541 FILM TRANSPORTING Inventor: Donald M ilarvey, Webster,

Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Roch- ..et -Y-,

Feb. 1, 1971 221 Filed:

- 211 Appl. No.: 111,464

[52] US. Cl. ..95/13 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 17/52 [58] Field of Search ..95/13, 19, 20, 22, 14

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,463,878 3/ 1949 Johnson ..95/20 X 3,618,493 11/1971 Erlichman ..95/13 2,573,780 11/1951 Wilson et al ..95/19 X 3,350,990 11] 1967 F inelli et al ..95/ 13 458,907 9/1891 Kipper et a1 ..95/ 19 Bartnick et ..95/ l 3 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Fred L. Braun Attorney-W. H. J. Kline and J. Addison Mathews [57] ABSTRACT Photographic apparatus for exposing and handling self-processing film units and especially such units of the type including a preregistered, integral imagerecording portion strippably supported on a rigid frame. The apparatus includes a slideable transporting mechanism for sequentially moving respective ones of the film units from an exposure position and between a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members to initiate processing. Thereafter, the image-recording portion is stripped from the frame and the transporting mechanism moves that frame into a waste storage chamber behind the other film units, where it is stored for later disposal.

9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTED SEP 19 I973 SHEET 1 BF 5 FIG. 2

DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEBSEP 19 1912 SHEET 2 BF 5 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDSEP 19 m2 SHEET 3 UF 5 FIG. 6

DONALD M HARVEY INVENTOR.

A "I'I",

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDsEP 19 I972 3.691. 920

saw u 0F 5 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS P'A'TENTEDSEP 19 m2 sum 5 or 5 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR. BYW

TORNEYS FILM TRANSPORTING MECHANISM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to photographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-processing type, and more specifically to such apparatus for handling film units comprising an image-recording portion supported on a rigid frame. I

It is well known in the photographic arts to provide film units with materials for processing the'units immediately after their exposure. Generally such units include a photosensitive element comprising a support for at least one layer of photosensitive material, and a second element adapted to be registered with the photosensitive element for processing. A viscous processing composition is supplied to the unit at one end and is spread toward the other end by passing the unit between juxtaposed pressure applying members that distribute the composition in a layer of predetermined thickness between the two elements. The distributed composition then permeates the layers of the unit to effect development of the photosensitive layers and the construction of an image in a mordant layer, either in the photosensitive or second element, to provide a substantially permanent and visible photograph.

In a presently popular commercial film unit, generally referred to as being of the peel-apart type, the photosensitive and second elements are spaced apart during exposure and are brought into superposition for processing. The image-or-print-receiving layer is in the second element, and that element is stripped from the rest of the unit after processing to provide a positive right-reading print. Such a unit is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659.

More recently developed film units generally are referred to as being preregistered or integral. The photosensitive and process elements of a preregistered film unit are superposed or registered prior to exposure, while the same elements of an integral film unit permanently are maintained in superposed or registered relationship during and after processing.

The invention is disclosed and has particular utility with a film unit that is both preregistered and integral. Such a unit includes photosensitive and second elements that are superposed prior to exposure and define a composite, permanently registered structure designed to remain substantially in the same physical form after processing. In presently known film units of this latter type, the second element is transparent, to permit exposure of the photosensitive materials from the top side of the unit, and the image-or print-receiving layer is located either in the process element or, preferably, in the photosensitive element to provide a positive image that need not be stripped from the rest of the unit. Film units of this latter type are disclosed, for example, in

commonlytassigned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 27,990, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of H. E. Cole and now abandoned; and in French Pat. Nos. 2,006,255 and 2,006,256, published Dec. 26, 1969.

The present invention also is concerned with mean for facilitating the handling of film units in photographic apparatus. In units of the above-mentioned types, such means often have included one or more leaders, serving to interconnect a plurality of film units arranged in an assemblage or pack and,at least in the case of peel-apart units, to couple the photosensitive and second or image-receiving elements of each respective film unit. Various types of such leaders are disclosed, for example, in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,51 1,659. In certain other instances and especially in the case of preregistered and integral film units, the leaders have been eliminated and driving rollers or picks have been provided for handling the film units. Examples of this lattertype are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,447,437 and 3,511,152, issued June 3, 1969 and May 12, 1970, respectively.

Still other types of self-processing film units, especially adapted for transparencies, are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,873,658 and 3,350,990, issued Feb. 17, 1959 and Nov. 7, 1967, respectively, and in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 685,687, entitled CARTRIDGE FOR DISPENSING AND STORING RADIATION SENSITIVE UNITS, filed Nov. 24, 1967 in the names of H. J. Bartnick and H. Nerwin, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,541,940, issued Nov. 24, I970. The film units disclosed in these last-mentioned patents and application include an image recording element supported on a rigid frame that is particularly well adapted for handling by simplified mechanisms such as reciprocating claws, hooks or pushers. However, while such reciprocating mechanisms generally are satisfactory for their intended purpose, they generally are capable of effecting only simple straight-line movement of the unit directly out of the apparatus, and have no provision for moving an exposed and processed film unit, or a portion thereof, back into a storage position or to some position for exiting from the camera other than at its ends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is toprovide photographic apparatus for handling film units of the self-processing type, and especially such apparatus for moving such film units first in one direction, between a pair of pressure applying members, and then in an opposite direction.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such apparatus for handling film units having an imagerecording portion strippably coupled to a rigid frame, and wherein the apparatus includes a simple yet reliable mechanism for handling the rigid frame after the image-recording portion has been stripped therefrom, as well as for handling the entire film unit prior to such stripping.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such apparatus including means for transporting selfprocessing film units, or selected portions thereof, from a forwardmost position in a stack of such units to a rearwardmostposition behind the stack.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is adapted for use with a film pack, including a plurality of stacked self-processing film units, and comprises a transporting mechanism for sequentially moving the film units, or portionsthereof, from the front to the back of the pack. The transporting mechanism includes a first film-unit-engaging member having a position adjacent to the front of the pack and being movable in a first direction for removing a film unit from the front of the pack; a second member spaced from the first member for engaging and moving at least a portion of the withdrawn film unit to a position in back of the pack; and means for transferring the withdrawn film unit from engagement with the first member to engagementwith the second member. During withdrawal, the film unit is moved between a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members to initiate processing, and a cam moveable with the first film-unitengaging member is utilized to increase the spacing between the members for facilitating entry of the unit between the members. A stripping mechanism also can be provided for separating image-recording portions of the film unit from other portions as the other portions are moved into the back of the pack by the second engaging member.

The apparatus has particular utility with film units comprising a preregistered and integral image-recording portion supported on a rigid plastic frame with a cooperating pod and trap, respectively, for supplying a processing composition to the recording portion at one end and for collecting any excess of the composition from the other end. The image-recording portion is releasably or strippably coupled to the rigid frame along lateral edges of the recording unit and frame, while the pod and trap are permanently attached to the frame, such that the recording unit easily can be separated from the frame, pod and trap after processing has been initiated. With such a film unit, the apparatus can include a stripping mechanism, such as a skiving finger, for engaging a portion of the film unit between the image-recording portion and frame to separate the recording portion from the frame and from the pod and trap as the frame, pod and trap are moved to the back of the pack.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a camera incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side-elevational view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1 with portions thereof broken away to depict an assemblage of film units and a film-unit transporting mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a film unit particularly adapted for use with the present invention, illustrating the film unit from the top or exposure side thereof with a part broken away to more clearly show various elements of the unit.

F104 is a perspective view of the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 but illustrating the unit from the bottom or opposite side thereof.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a slideable drawer or chucker comprising part of the transporting mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 66 in FIG. 2, illustrating the drawer or chucker of FIG. 5 in operative position in the camera of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial cross-sectional views of a portion of the chucker and the film pack illustrating a film unitin the initial stages of withdrawal from the camera.

FIGS. 10-12 are partial side-elevational views schematically representing the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 with the camera depicted in FIG. I to illustrate the operation of the film transporting mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Because photographic film units and cameras are well known, the present description will be directed in particular to elements forming a part of, or cooperating directly with, the'present invention. Film and camera elements not specifically shown or described herein are selectable from those known in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated comprising photographic apparatus, such as a camera, including a film handling mechanism for sequentially moving individual, self-processing film units, or portions thereof, from the front to the back of a film pack, while simultaneously initiating processing of the film unit.

The apparatus has particular utility with such film units as film unit 1 illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4 as comprising a rigid frame 2, an image-recording unit 3, including photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5, respectively, a pod or container 6 for supplying processing composition, and a trap or collector 7 for receiving any excess of the composition. The pod 6 and trap 7 are permanently secured to the frame, but only releasably coupled to the image-recording unit 3. Similarly, the image-recording unit is only releasably or strippably coupled to the frame. As described and illustrated more fully in my above-referenced US Pat. application Ser. No. 111,403, entitled FILM UNIT and filed on even date herewith, such an arrangement of permanent and releasable couplings permits stripping after processing of the image-recording unit (then defining the finished print) from the frame, pod and trap. The latter three elements, then comprising processing waste material, may be collected in one packet, preferably enclosed and protected by a cartridge in which they originally were supplied, and may be discarded with little possibility of damage to any sensitive environment (e.g., clothing or person) by any remaining processing composition in the waste material.

When used with such a film unit, the apparatus can further be provided with a stripping mechanism for automatically separating or stripping the image-recording portion 3 of the unit-from its frame2. In such case the transportingmechanismcan further be utilized to move the frame, with its attached pod and trap, into the back of the cartridge while simultaneously expelling the stripped image-recording portion from the apparatus.

IMAGE-RECORDING UNIT (PI-IOTOSENSITIVE ELEMENT AND PROCESS SI'IEET) Referring now more specifically to the image-recording portion-of the. film unit, photosensitive element 4 comprises a substantially flat, resilient support of trans- COMPREHENSIVE FILMYUNITYUNCLUDING FRAME, on AND TRAP) The image-recording unit described above, comprising thephotosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5,

a particularly is adapted to cooperate with various eleparent cellulose triacetate film base, or other suitable material, for supporting respecti'velayers of imagereceiving material, opaque reflecting material, and a silver-halide emulsion with 7 associated dye-image providing material. Such layers preferably are arranged in the sequence given, with the support located near a first or outside face (the face visible in FIG. 4), where it can protect that side of the unit, and the silver-halide emulsion located near the' opposite or inside face, where it is protected by the process sheet 5. As will become more apparent hereinafter, the silver-halide emulsion is adapted to be exposed through the process sheet, from the top side of the unit, and the developed print is adapted to be'viewed through the transparent support, from the bottom side of the unit.

The photosensitive element further includes appropriate means depicted schematically as a border or margin 12 that extends entirely around the circumferential portions of the element. Such border or margin provides a sharp boundary defining both an exposure frame within which the latent image is adapted to be recorded and a print frame that preferably is white and within which the finished print is adapted. to be formed.

The process sheet or second element 5 also preferably is formed of a transparent material, such as cellulose triacetate film base, and defines a resilient, substantiallyflat sheet for spreading the processing composition over the photosensitive element, and also for protecting the top side of that element while permitting the above-mentioned exposure of the silver-halide emulsion.

Photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5 preferably are coextensive with one another, and may be maintained in registered or superposed facing relationship by any permanent seal or connection to define the image-recording unit 3. Preferably the connection extends in a longitudinal direction at the lateral edges of the recording unit from its leading end to its trailing end. The resulting connection should be sufficiently impervious to the processing composition to prevent its premature escape from the lateral edges of the unit during processing.

Regardless of the particular type of seal or connection, or its particular manner of application, the photosensitive and process elements are secured substantially in direct contacting relationship, or the equivalent, at lateral marginal edge portions and in sucha manner that the central portions of the elements are retained in registered overlying relationship. As will be described more fully hereinafter, however, the leading and trailing ends and the central portions of the elements are resiliently separable, to permit the introduction, spreading and collection of the processing composition.

ments of the more comprehensive film unit 1 with which it has been illustratedThe latter'unit includes thesupporting frame 2, the container or pod 6 and the excessfluid collector. or trap 7, all of which cooperate for recording and developing a latent-image when used with the intended apparatus.

The container or pod 6 may include various cooperating parts, together defining a suitable- .processing-composition supplying mechanism, and

preferably including a rupturable containing part 15 generally comprising a rectangular blank of a vapor-im pervious material that is folded along a first side edge 17 and is securely sealed or closed along its ends 19 and 21. A second side 23, opposite from the folded side, is provided along substantially its entire length with a rupturable seal adapted to release a fluid composition from the container upon the application of hydraulic forces generated by passing the container between a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members, such as rollers 25 and 26 (FIG. 2). The containing part is coupled to or cooperates with a leading end of the image-recording unit in any suitable manner for discharging its fluid contents between the photosensitive element and process sheet, and for this purpose has been illustrated with, lips insertedinto a space or slot provided between the photosensitive element and process sheet at the leading end of the image-recording unit.

The supporting frame 2 ismost clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and comprises a substantially rigid but slightly flexible opaque material, such as black styrene plastic, that has been molded, stamped or otherwise formed to provide a substantially planar and integral rectangular supporting structure for carrying the image-recording unit 3, pod 6 and trap 7. The frame defines a first exposure or top side 27 (FIG. 3), a second bottom side 29 (FIG. 4), leading and trailing end portions 31 and 33, respectively, and lateral edge portions or rails 35 extending between and connecting the end portions. The image-recording unit, pod and trap are adapted to be supported on the second orbottom side of the frame, and exposure of the recording unit from the top side is permitted by an exposure aperature 37 defined by the end and edge portions and extending entirely through the frame from top to bottom.

The trap or excess-fluid collector 7 generally comprises a first or rigid part for establishing a rigid collecting void or chamber and a flexible part '76 for covering and enclosing the first mentioned part. The leading portion of the flexible trap cover 76 is adapted to overlie the trailing end of the image-recording unit to enclose or confine that trailing end in a manner insuring that all of the excess processing composition expelled from the recording unit will be directed into the trap. Since there is no permanent connection between the trap and the image-recording unit, the unit easily can be withdrawn from the trap afterprocessing has been initiated.

As briefly, mentioned above, the image-recording unit 3 is releasably or strippably coupled to the frame 2. Such a coupling can be'provided by the interlocking relationships between the pod 6, the trap 7 and the ends of the film unit. Preferably, however, the film supporting surfaces 51 that extend longitudinally of the frame adjacent to the lateral edges of the film unit are provided with an appropriate adhesive, cohesive or seal that maintains the image-recording unit in a substan-' tially flat film plane.

The pod 6 and flexible portion of the trap 7 also are attached to the frame at the leading and trailing ends thereof, respectively. However, unlike the recording portion, these last-mentioned attachments are permanent in nature.

FILM ASSEMBLAGE AND PACK cartridge is received in a cooperating camera. Additionally, the sidewalls are bent over at their leading ends to form an inclined guiding surface 89 for purposes to become more apparent hereinafter, and abutment or control surfaces 90. The bottom wall of :the.

cartridge also may be provided with resilient means such as a bent-up spring 91 for engaging and urging the film units toward the forwardmost position in the cartridge.

The film assemblage 83 includes a plurality of the film units 1, and a dark slide 92 having a configuration similar to that of the film units but with a solid opaque center instead of the exposure aperture 37. When in such a stacked relation, the image-recording units are protected from premature exposure by the cartridge casing 82 and the dark slide 92.

The pack is particularly constructed to permit sliding removal of the forwardmost film unit from the cartridge over the upper surfaces 93 of abutment 90, while the forward wall is constructed and located to block the withdrawal of any of the other film units during the withdrawal of the forwardmost film unit. After a film unit has been withdrawn from the pack, the imagerecording unit can be stripped from the frame and the frame can be reinserted into the back of the cartridge between guiding surface 89 and the lowermost surfaces 94 of the abutment member 90. Additional details of such an assemblage aredescribed and illustrated in my copending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 11 1,466, entitled FILM CARTRIDGE AND ASSEMBLAGE, filed on even date herewith.

Pl-lOTOGRAPl-IIC APPARATUS AND FlLM TRANSPORTING MECHANISM Referring now more specifically to the details of the present invention, and first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a photographic camera is illustrated comprising a mainbody portion 101, the juxtaposed pressure applying members 25 and 26, a film transporting mechanism 103, and a stripping mechanism 105.

The film transporting mechanism generally comp'rises-a slideable drawer or chucker 107 including a handle 108, or other suitable means accessible from the camera exterior, for effecting reciprocation of the chucker between a first closed position (FIG. 2) and a second open or withdrawn. position (FIGS. 10 and 11). As most clearly illustrated in FIG. 5, the chucker has the general shape of a rectangular box defined by a leading end wall 109, ve r ticalside walls 111 and 113, horizontal top walls or arms and 117, and a horizontal bottom wall 119. As will become more apparent hereinafter, the configurations of these respective walls and their relative orientations have been chosen so that sliding movement of the chucker will not be interfered with by the pressure members 25 and 26 or their mounting structures.

The leading end wall 109 of the chucker is adapted to support the handle 108 and provides a closure for the camera end wall when the chucker is in the closed position. The vertical side walls 111 and 113 are securely attached to opposite sides of end wall 109 for establishing a rigid structure and for spacing the side walls apart by an amount sufficient to accommodate the film pack and pressure members between the walls.

From their point of attachment to end wall 109, the

side walls extend in a normal direction to a point beyond the trailing end of the film units and pack to permit a sliding stroke of the chucker that issufficient for advancing a film unit from the pack and completely between the pressure members without the trailing ends 121 of the walls being pulled from the confines of the camera body portion 101. The top walls or arms 115 and 117 also are attached to end wall 109, to provide a more rigid structure, and extend inwardly from the top edges of the side walls by an amount sufficient to overly the film pack for purposes to be described hereinafter. The bottom wall or arm 119 extends inwardly from the bottom edge of end wall 109 and is spaced from the top walls by an amount approximately equal to the width of the film pack for pushing a withdrawn film unit, or a part thereof, back into the pack. At its distal end 123, furthest from end wall 109, the bottom wall terminates in a step that is adapted to extend slightly into the film pack when the chucker'is in its closed position. Moreover, the step defines first or horizontal surfaces 123 and second or vertical surfaces 125, respectively, for supporting and pushing on the leading end of the film unit as will become more apparent hereinafter.

Referring again to the top walls or arms 115 and 1 17, first or uppermost sides 129 thereof support cams 131 and 133, while the second or lowermost sides 134 each support a resilient leaf spring 135 and a hook or film engaging member 137. The cams are spaced inwardly from the forward wall 109 of the chucker by approximately the same amount as the leading end of the film units when the chucker is in the closed position. They also are spaced inwardly from the side walls for engaging and increasing the spacing between the pressure members 25 and 26 at the same time the leading end of the film unit enters between those members. In this important critical parts, and this substantially can and then are released to engage the film unit, rupture the pod, and spread the processing composition. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the pressure members, roller 26, is fixed against translational movement, and the cams need only engage the other pressure member, roller 25. However, it should be-apparent that both pressure members could be translatable and, in such case, opposed cams could be utilized for engaging each of the pressure members.

' The hooks 137 extend downwardly from each of the top arms 115 and 117, to a position for engagingthe trailing end of the uppermost film unit when .the chucker is in the closed position (FIG. 1). They also are spaced inwardly from the side walls of the chucker by an amount sufficient to clear the curled-over top edges 88 of the film cartridge. Thus, as the chucker is moved from its closed position to its open position, the hooks will engage andwithdraw the forwardmost film unit from the pack and between the pressure applying members.

Leaf-springs 135 are coupled at one end 139 to the top walls of the chucker adjacent to hooks 137, and are bent downwardly therefrom to a second film-engaging end 141. As the film unit is withdrawn between the pressure members, these springs serve as a transfer mechanism for shifting the film unit from a forward position in the chucker to a rearward position, established in part by the step 123 in bottom wall 119, and aligned with the back of the film pack (FIGS. 10 and 11). The film-engaging end 141 of the leaf-spring also can be provided with bent tabs 143 for engaging the sides of the film unit to align and prevent sideways movement thereof during and after such transfer of the unit to the rearward position.

The manner of locating the chucker relative to the film pack and pressure members is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 6, considered in conjunction with FIGS. 2, 5 and 7. Beginning with the camera exterior, body portion 101 is defined by a rigid casing 151 that includes side walls 153, supporting or mounting structures 155 and a cover door 157. On one side spaced from wall 153, the supporting structure is provided with a mounting pin 159 extending through a cooperating slot 161 in the side walls 111 and 113 of the chucker to control sliding movement of the chucker while preventing its detachment from the camera body portion. On an opposite side, the supporting structure includes bearing surfaces 163 for rotatably receiving the shafted ends of the non-translational pressure member 26. This same side, in cooperation with an overhang or lip 165, also establishes the lateral and vertical position of the film pack. The flat top end 169 of the supporting structure serves to retract the leaf spring 135 when the chucker is moved to the closed position, while the opposite L shaped end 171 provides a jam 173 for the cover door as well as a welded or other connection 175 for permanently attaching the supporting structure to the camera casing.

The supporting and mounting structure 155 can be molded from plastic or otherwise formed from any suitable material. It should be noted, however, that the single mounting and supporting structure establishes the relative locations and orientations of many of the reduce the number of critical camera parts that must be held to close tolerances. v

After processing has been initiated, the imagerecording unit 3 is particularly adapted to be stripped from the frame 2, pod 6 and trap 7, by the stripping mechanism 105 of associated photographic apparatus.

' This mechanism comprises .a pair of spaced fingers or skiving surfaces 191 that are configured to engage the film unit between the image-recording portion 3 and the frame 2 to skive or pry the recording unit from the frame. The fingers first engage the lateral edges of the recording unit adjacent to the trap 7 to force the lateral edges from the trap. Thereafter, the lateral edges of the recording unit ride up on the fingers 191 through an appropriate aperture 193 in the camera body or cover door to a position accessible from the exterior of the apparatus. Further details of the stripping mechanism are described and illustrated in my US. Pat. application Ser. No. 111,472, entitled STRIPPING MECHANISM, and filed on even date herewith. Instead of describing the mechanism further, the disclosure of that application hereby is incorporated into the present application by reference.

OPERATION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The operation of the preferred embodiment is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7-12. In FIG. 2, the film units all are stacked in the cartridge with the forwardmost unit in a position for exposure. The chucker is in the closed position with its hook or claw 137 engaging the trailing end of the film unit, and with its leafspring held in a retracted position by the top 169 of the mounting structure 155.

After exposure, the forwardmost film unit is withdrawn from the pack and between the pressure applying member by movement of the chucker from its first or closed position (FIG. 2) to its second or open position (FIGS. 10 and 11). During the initial stages of such movement, the pressure applying members are forced apart by cams 131 and 133 (FIG. 8) to facilitate entry of the leading end of the film unit between the members. Then the pressure members are released by the cams (FIG. 9) and engage the film unit to rupture the pod, and to distribute the processing composition between the photosensitive element and process sheet.

The pressure members 25 and 26 preferably are of the stepped type illustrated and described in commonly assigned copending US. Pat. application Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, and filed Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of H. Nerwin. In operation, raised shoulder portions 181 (FIG. 6) on the pressure members are adapted to ride on the marginal portions of the film unit as the unit is pulled between the members, while recessed central portions 183 of the members simultaneously are adapted to rupture the container and spread the processing composition in a uniform layer.

As the processing composition is distributed, it immediately begins to permeate the various layers of the photosensitive element to initiate processing in a manner more fully described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.'application Ser. No. 27,990, entitled PHOTO- GRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of H. E. Cole and now abandoned.

Referring now to FIGS. and 11, during the final stages of withdrawal the leaf-spring is released and engages the film unit to transfer it from the forward position in the chucker to a rearward position established at the leading end by step 123 in chucker arm 119 and at the trailing end by the surface 196 in the camera body. At the same time, the lateral position of the film unit relative to the chucker is established by engagement between the sides of the film unit and the bent tabs 143 of the transfer spring.

Thereafter, the chucker is moved in a second direction from its open position to its closed position, to push the film unit back into the container 82 behind the previously exposed or unexposed film units remaining therein. Simultaneously therewith, the stripping fingers located in the camera back enter between the image-recording portion of the film unit and its frame and operate in a skiving manner to strip or separate the image-recording unit from the frame. As the recording unit is separated from the frame it is guided by cooperating surfaces of the stripper or camera back and is directed through an aperture in the camera body to a position where it is accessible to the camera operator. The frame, pod and trap, on the other hand, are returned to and retained in the cartridge for disposal with the other frames, pods and traps after they also have served their purpose in processing their related film units.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiment thereof,

but itwill be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Iclaim:

1. A camera for use with a pack of self-processin film units, the pack defining first and second sides, said camera comprising:

means for receiving the pack in a position for exposing the film units;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for engaging the film units therebetween to effect processing of the film units; and

a transporting mechanism for first removing the film units from the first'side of the pack along a movement path extending between and beyond said pressure applying members and for then repositioning at least a portion of the removed film units at the second side of the pack, said mechanism including first and second film unit engaging members having spaced positions adjacent to the first and second sides of the pack, respectively, and means for transferring the film units from said first film unit engaging member to said second film unit engaging member, said first film unit engaging member being slidably movable from the pack in a first direction substantially along said path toward and beyond said pressure applying members to remove the film units entirely from the first side of the pack, said second film unit engaging member thereafter being slidably movable in a second direction substantially opposite to said first direction to position at least a portion of the removed film units at the second side of the pack, said transferring means being operative between movement of said first film unit engaging member in said first direction and movement of said second film unit engaging member in said second direction for transferring the removed film units from said first film unit engaging member to said second film unit engaging member.

2. The camera claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second film unit engaging members form part of a slidable drawer and move in unison during said movements in said first and second directions.

3. A photographic camera for use with a selfprocessing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising:

means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for receiving therebetween the one film unit after its exposure to initiate processing of the one film unit;

means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and

a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for first movement from a first position to a second position and for second movement from said second position to said first position, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the one film unit after its exposure and movable from within the pack toward and beyond said pressure applying members to move the one film unit entirely from the pack and between and beyond said members in response to said first movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the frame of the one film unit after its movement from the pack and between and beyond said members to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to said second movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit moved from the pack and between and beyond said members from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position.

4. A reciprocatable film unit transporting mechanism for use in a self-processing camera, the camera including a pair of elongated, juxtaposed, pressure applying members and means for locating a pack of selfprocessing film units, the pack including an exit for withdrawing a forwardmost one of the film units from the pack and an entrance spaced from the exit for reinserting at least a portion of the withdrawn film unit into the pack, said mechanism comprising:

a pair of spaced, parallel side walls disposed at opposite ends of the pressure applying members;

a top wall extending between the pressure applying members and including means for engaging the forwardmost one of the film units to withdraw the one film unit entirely from the pack, through the exit, and between the members and further including means engageable with one of the members for A moving the one member away from the other member to facilitate entry of the one film unit therebetween;

a bottom wall spaced from said top wall and including means for engaging the withdrawn one of the film units to reinsert at least a portion of the one film unit into the pack through the entrance; and

means for transferring the withdrawn one of the film units from said top wall engaging means to said bottom wall engaging means.

5. A photographic camera for use with a selfprocessing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit defining a leading end and a trailing end and having an imagerecording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising:

means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for receiving therebetween the one film unit after its exposure to initiate processing of the one film unit;

means for receivingthe frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and

a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for first movement from a first position to a second position and for second movement from said second position to said first position, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the trailing end of the one film unit after its exposure and movable from within the pack toward and beyond said pressure applying members to move the one film unit entirely from the pack and between and beyond said members in response to said first movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the leading end of the frame of the one film unit after its movement from the pack and between and beyond said members to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to said second movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit moved from the pack and between and beyond said members from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position.

6. A photographic camera for use with a selfprocessing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising:

means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for initiating processing of the one film unit after its exposure;

means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and

a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for movement between first and secondpositions, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the one film unit after its exposure to withdraw the one film unit entirely from the pack and between said pressure applying members in res onse to movement of said mechanism from sai first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the frame of the one film unit after its withdrawal from the pack to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit withdrawn from the pack from engagement with said firstelement to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position, said transferring means including a resilient leaf spring defining a first end and a second end, said first end being coupled to said first element, said second end being engageable with the frame of the one film unit for effecting transfer of the frame of the one film unit into engagement with said second element.

7. A photographic camera for use with a selfprocessing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising:

means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for initiating processing of the one film unit after its exposure, one of said pressure applyingmembers being mounted for movement relative to the other of said members to provide a space therebetween;

means for varying the space between said pressure applying members;

means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and

transporting mechanism slidably mounted for movement between first and second positions, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the one film unit after its exposure to withdraw the one film unit entirely from the pack and between said pressure applying members in response to movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the frame of the one film unit after its withdrawal from the pack to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit withdrawn from the pack from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position.

8. The camera claimed in claim 7 wherein said varying means includes a cam supported by and movable with said mechanism to engage said one pressure applying member and move said one member away from said other member.

9. The camera claimed in claim 8 wherein said other member is fixed against translational movement. 

1. A camerA for use with a pack of self-processing film units, the pack defining first and second sides, said camera comprising: means for receiving the pack in a position for exposing the film units; a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for engaging the film units therebetween to effect processing of the film units; and a transporting mechanism for first removing the film units from the first side of the pack along a movement path extending between and beyond said pressure applying members and for then repositioning at least a portion of the removed film units at the second side of the pack, said mechanism including first and second film unit engaging members having spaced positions adjacent to the first and second sides of the pack, respectively, and means for transferring the film units from said first film unit engaging member to said second film unit engaging member, said first film unit engaging member being slidably movable from the pack in a first direction substantially along said path toward and beyond said pressure applying members to remove the film units entirely from the first side of the pack, said second film unit engaging member thereafter being slidably movable in a second direction substantially opposite to said first direction to position at least a portion of the removed film units at the second side of the pack, said transferring means being operative between movement of said first film unit engaging member in said first direction and movement of said second film unit engaging member in said second direction for transferring the removed film units from said first film unit engaging member to said second film unit engaging member.
 2. The camera claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second film unit engaging members form part of a slidable drawer and move in unison during said movements in said first and second directions.
 3. A photographic camera for use with a self-processing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure; a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for receiving therebetween the one film unit after its exposure to initiate processing of the one film unit; means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for first movement from a first position to a second position and for second movement from said second position to said first position, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the one film unit after its exposure and movable from within the pack toward and beyond said pressure applying members to move the one film unit entirely from the pack and between and beyond said members in response to said first movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the frame of the one film unit after its movement from the pack and between and beyond said members to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to said second movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit moved from the pack and between and beyond said members from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position.
 4. A reciprocatable film unit transporting mechanism for use in a self-processing camera, the camera including a pair of elongated, juxtaposed, pressure applying members and means for locating a pack of self-processing film units, the pack including an exit for withdrawing a forwardmost one of the film units from the pack and an entrance spaced from the exit for Reinserting at least a portion of the withdrawn film unit into the pack, said mechanism comprising: a pair of spaced, parallel side walls disposed at opposite ends of the pressure applying members; a top wall extending between the pressure applying members and including means for engaging the forwardmost one of the film units to withdraw the one film unit entirely from the pack, through the exit, and between the members and further including means engageable with one of the members for moving the one member away from the other member to facilitate entry of the one film unit therebetween; a bottom wall spaced from said top wall and including means for engaging the withdrawn one of the film units to reinsert at least a portion of the one film unit into the pack through the entrance; and means for transferring the withdrawn one of the film units from said top wall engaging means to said bottom wall engaging means.
 5. A photographic camera for use with a self-processing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit defining a leading end and a trailing end and having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure; a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for receiving therebetween the one film unit after its exposure to initiate processing of the one film unit; means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for first movement from a first position to a second position and for second movement from said second position to said first position, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the trailing end of the one film unit after its exposure and movable from within the pack toward and beyond said pressure applying members to move the one film unit entirely from the pack and between and beyond said members in response to said first movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the leading end of the frame of the one film unit after its movement from the pack and between and beyond said members to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to said second movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit moved from the pack and between and beyond said members from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position.
 6. A photographic camera for use with a self-processing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure; a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for initiating processing of the one film unit after its exposure; means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for movement between first and second positions, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the one film unit after its exposure to withdraw the one film unit entirely from the pack and between said pressure applying members in response to movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the frame of the one film unit after its withdrawal from the pack to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit withdrawn from the pack from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position, said transferring means including a resilient leaf spring defining a first end and a second end, said first end being coupled to said first element, said second end being engageable with the frame of the one film unit for effecting transfer of the frame of the one film unit into engagement with said second element.
 7. A photographic camera for use with a self-processing film unit pack, the film unit pack including a plurality of stacked film units, each film unit having an image-recording portion and a frame for supporting the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: means for receiving the film unit pack and for locating one of the film units therein in a position for exposure; a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members for initiating processing of the one film unit after its exposure, one of said pressure applying members being mounted for movement relative to the other of said members to provide a space therebetween; means for varying the space between said pressure applying members; means for receiving the frame of the one film unit after processing thereof has been initiated; and a transporting mechanism slidably mounted for movement between first and second positions, said mechanism including a first element engageable with the one film unit after its exposure to withdraw the one film unit entirely from the pack and between said pressure applying members in response to movement of said mechanism from said first position to said second position, a second element spaced from said first element and engageable with the frame of the one film unit after its withdrawal from the pack to move the frame of the one film unit into said frame receiving means in response to movement of said mechanism from said second position to said first position, and means for transferring the frame of the one film unit withdrawn from the pack from engagement with said first element to engagement with said second element when said mechanism is in said second position.
 8. The camera claimed in claim 7 wherein said varying means includes a cam supported by and movable with said mechanism to engage said one pressure applying member and move said one member away from said other member.
 9. The camera claimed in claim 8 wherein said other member is fixed against translational movement. 